On Tuesday, May 28, the City Council for the City of Pell City awarded the construction of its new police station to Goodgame Company. The Pell City-based construction company’s $5.95 million bid was the lowest of four returned to City administration, the highest coming back at $7.24 million.

    Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris presents a rendering of the planned Pell City Police Department to City Council on May 28.

    “Bids were within the margins of what we expected, and less than the costs of other departments that recently constructed new operations centers that we reviewed during this process,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “I think if the Council approves this bid, it will set our department up for the next 30 years.”

    Goodgame Company’s bid for the facility was certified by project architect David Christian, who presented to the Council during its Regular Work Session. Christian confirmed that the bid met specifications, but included some contingencies for soil compaction at the project site. 

    Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger said that fluctuations in cost were accounted for, and that the project would be funded without the need to borrow.

    “We anticipate completing this much-needed project entirely from existing funds,” Muenger said. “We’ve closely accounted for the construction costs, as well as associated costs of upfitting and equipping the space. Not a lot of cities can fund a project of this magnitude without the need for external financing, and the ability to do so speaks well to the financial stewardship of this administration.” 

    Architect rendering of the new station proposed for the Pell City Police Department.

    The project has a contractual 12-month timeline for completion. Residents can expect to see demolition and site preparation begin in July 2024.

    The City’s new 15,000-square-foot police station is planned for the site of the former Boys and Girls Club in Pell City, directly behind the City’s new Pickleball Courts on 19th St. South. The planned facility will provide the Department with approximately five times its current amount of operational space in City Hall.  

    “Since the most recent renovation of City Hall in 2002, the Police Department has been locked into approximately 3,000 square feet of space” City Manager Brian Muenger said. “This new facility will give them the room they need to operate appropriately for a department their size.”

    Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said the facility was designed for expansion and is expected to accommodate the needs of the City for decades to come. The new facility will provide officers with the resources they need to excel, including expanded space for administration, investigations and patrol divisions and dedicated community meeting rooms.

    Architect rendering of the new Detective Room in the Pell City Police Station.

    “I extend my gratitude to the City Council and administration for their unwavering vision and support,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “This project wouldn’t be possible without their commitment to public safety.”

    A pre-bid meeting was held May 7, 2024, and eight contractors requested architectural plans for the new facility. The Anniston-based firm Christian & Associates Architects, Inc. completed the plans for the new police station in March. 

    Architect rendering of the exterior of the Pell City Police Station.